ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SEWING newest Etui slipper shoe pin cushion, walnut thimble case, thimble circa 1900

Offered is a beautiful trio of Victorian sewing notions that include a gorgeous gilded slipper, walnut thimble case, and brass thimble.
Sewing ones clothing at the turn of the century was something that was commonplace in almost all households. Department store shopping for pre sewn items was a luxury reserved for the well to do and upper middle class.
Sewing was not just a necessity for the less fortunate, but also a requirement for young ladies in wealthier households.
The art of needlework was a requirement of young ladies regardless of class and was practised dutifully as tradition as much as necessity.
Novelty sewing items were all the rage dating back to early Georgian times. Women wanted to at least find humour or interest during the long hours needlework required. Pin cushions were often elaborate and fancy with shoes and slippers being coveted the most. Thimble cases were collected as much as used for their practicality. Popular choices often related to nature with walnut themed cases being right up there.

Offered is a fascinating little trio, a perfect addition for the modern Victorian seamstress.
A wonderfully cast and highly detailed slipper pin cushion is gilded to imitate mercury gold and completed with a butterscotch velvet lining. A gorgeous little novelty thimble case formed as a walnut is gilded as well to resemble gold and comes lined with a deep blue cotton felt. A tiny swath of felt has white thread bound around it to the cavity inside. The brass thimble, small in size, sits within the walnut cavity. The walnut thimble case closes gently and is secured in place with its original small ring.

It is hard for us to imagine a time where evenings were spent by an open fire sewing or practicing needlework. Our busy world has removed the need for this once important part of life so if we can hold it if even for a moment, if for just looking at the things that were used, that we may fully appreciate how our predecessors lived.

MEASUREMENTS

SLIPPER

13 cm long X 4 cm wide x 5.1 cm height

WALNUT THIMBLE CASE

4.5 cm long X 3 cm wide X 3.1 cm height

THIMBLE

1.9 cm height x 1.5 cm diameter at finger insert

CONDITION

I believe all three pieces are from the mid to late Victorian possibly Edwardian era 1880 to 1910.
Slipper is cast and gilded with a soft gold finish used back then. Detailing and decoration of shoe is amazing please see photos. There are spots of tarnish to the slipper here and there and a section of the sole that cannot be seen. No repairs, major scratches, dents, or flaws. Velvet is still plush and shows no deterioration.
Walnut is a little showstopper, beautifully cast with perfectly working hinge and closure. Lining stable and in very good shape. The detailing of the walnut is quite incredible. There is a small suspension loop to the top that is quite likely for attachment to a ladies chatelaine.
Thimble is brass and has had a few bangs so it is out of round. This thimble came within the case so I believe it original to it but I am not certain.

All in all a fabulous trio, perfect for the aspiring seamstress or Just a marvellous addition for the well seasoned one.

Please, closely review photos provided as they form a large part of my description. My opinion may vary from another's but my descriptions will be as accurate as possible based on my knowledge and research.

Measurements are approximate and as absolutely close as possible.

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